Former UFC fighter Jay Silva has died at the age of 45, according to an announcement Monday from Poland-based promotion Fame MMA, where he made the final appearances of his professional combat sports career.
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A cause of death was not disclosed.
Silva died May 31, just days after his 45th birthday. Known by the nickname "Da Spyda Killa," Silva competed in 27 professional mixed martial arts bouts during a career that spanned nearly two decades.
"The whole KSW Team would like to send condolences to the family and friends of late former KSW fighter and middleweight title challenger Jay Silva," Polish promotion KSW said in a statement. "Rest in peace."
Born in Luanda, Angola, Silva later fought out of Huntington Beach, California. He began his professional MMA career in 2008 and quickly established himself as a respected competitor on the regional circuit.
Silva earned a spot in the UFC in 2009, where he competed against veteran middleweights C.B. Dollaway and Chris Leben.
Following his UFC tenure, Silva continued his career in several major promotions, facing notable opponents including Hector Lombard, Kendall Grove, Sam Alvey and Mariusz Pudzianowski.
One of the most successful periods of Silva's career came with KSW in Poland, where he became a popular figure among fans and twice challenged for the organization's middleweight championship. Among his most notable victories was a knockout win over Micha? Materla in 2013.
Silva's final MMA bout took place in April 2025 under the Fame MMA banner.
Throughout his career, Silva was known for his toughness and willingness to face top competition around the world.
He is survived by his family and loved ones.
